Grizzlies vs Pelicans on 24 January
The Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off in what promises to be an intense and tactical battle in the NBA Regular Season, scheduled for January 24th. Both teams are in the midst of defining stretches of their seasons, with high stakes on the line as they jockey for playoff positioning. The FedExForum in Memphis will provide the backdrop for this crucial encounter, and fans can expect a game filled with energy, precision, and strategic intricacies. With the Grizzlies' well-oiled defense and the Pelicans’ dynamic offensive play, the stage is set for a fascinating clash of styles. This is not just a game—it’s a pivotal moment in both teams’ campaigns, and every possession will matter.
Grizzlies: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The Memphis Grizzlies have been showing strong form in recent weeks, with a record of 3-2 over their last five games. While not unbeatable, they have maintained their defensive identity, which is their hallmark under head coach Taylor Jenkins. Memphis plays with a high-intensity defense that relies heavily on forcing turnovers and securing second-chance opportunities. They rank among the league leaders in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to an average of 106 points per game. This is facilitated by the defensive prowess of Jaren Jackson Jr., whose ability to protect the rim and switch on smaller players makes him one of the most versatile defenders in the league.
Offensively, Memphis is at its best in transition, where Ja Morant's electrifying speed and vision allow the Grizzlies to score quickly off turnovers and fast breaks. Morant continues to evolve as a playmaker, averaging 7.5 assists per game, and his ability to drive to the basket keeps defenses on edge. The Grizzlies’ half-court offense, however, can sometimes feel disjointed, particularly when it comes to perimeter shooting, where they rank 22nd in the league in three-point percentage. As a result, Memphis often relies on inside scoring, with Steven Adams' physicality on the boards and Jackson’s post presence providing crucial balance.
Key players: Ja Morant is the engine that drives this team, but his supporting cast—Jackson Jr., Adams, and Desmond Bane—must also perform. Bane has been a steady shooter from beyond the arc, and his ability to space the floor will be crucial against New Orleans’ defense. The absence of Dillon Brooks, due to injury, could slightly weaken the Grizzlies' defensive rotations, but their depth is still formidable.
Pelicans: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The New Orleans Pelicans have had a mixed bag of results over their last five games, going 2-3, but the performance level has been far from poor. The Pelicans have one of the most potent offenses in the NBA, led by Zion Williamson, whose combination of strength, speed, and finishing ability around the basket makes him nearly impossible to defend. New Orleans thrives on getting out in transition and pushing the pace, similar to Memphis, but they also feature a well-rounded half-court offense that relies on ball movement and spacing. The Pelicans have averaged 116.2 points per game in January, the 6th highest in the league, and they play with an efficiency that puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses.
Defensively, however, New Orleans has been less consistent. They’ve allowed opponents to score 111.5 points per game this season, ranking them 18th in defensive efficiency. The key for the Pelicans will be their ability to slow down Memphis' transition offense and contest shots at the rim. Jonas Valančiūnas’ rebounding and physicality inside will be vital in limiting second-chance points, but the Pelicans’ perimeter defense will also need to improve if they are to contain Morant and Bane effectively.
Key players: Zion Williamson is the star of the show, but the Pelicans’ depth is also a strength. Brandon Ingram provides another dynamic offensive option, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. CJ McCollum has become an important secondary ball-handler, and his shooting from distance will help spread the floor. The Pelicans are a balanced team, but their success hinges on how well their defense can withstand Memphis' fast breaks and how much they can capitalize on their offensive advantages.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last few encounters between these two teams have been thrilling. The Grizzlies hold a 3-2 advantage in their last five matchups, but the games have been tightly contested, with the margin of victory often being decided in the final few minutes. Memphis’ defense has often been the deciding factor, with the Pelicans struggling to score efficiently in their last two losses against the Grizzlies. However, the Pelicans have shown that they can match Memphis' intensity when they are able to hit from the outside. In the last meeting between these teams, a 113-108 win for Memphis, the Grizzlies’ defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter stifled New Orleans’ offense.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most critical battles in this game will be the matchup between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson. Jackson’s ability to protect the rim will be crucial in limiting Zion’s effectiveness inside, while Williamson will look to overpower Jackson with his physicality. If Jackson can stay out of foul trouble, he could be a game-changer defensively. Another crucial battle will be on the boards. The Grizzlies rank 3rd in the league in offensive rebounds, while the Pelicans rank 12th in defensive rebounding. Steven Adams’ dominance on the glass will be a key factor, as Memphis will look to generate extra possessions through second-chance opportunities.
The Pelicans’ perimeter shooting will also be critical. If they can shoot the ball efficiently from beyond the arc, they could exploit the Grizzlies' defensive schemes. McCollum and Ingram are capable of going off for big shooting performances, and if they can stretch the floor, it could pull the Grizzlies’ defense out of position.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this game is that both teams will look to control the pace early on, with Memphis aiming to set a physical tone with their defense and fast breaks. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will want to push the tempo and get easy baskets before Memphis can set up their half-court defense. The Grizzlies’ ability to limit Zion’s impact in the paint will be the key to slowing down New Orleans, but if the Pelicans hit their outside shots, they could quickly turn the game in their favor. Expect a tightly contested affair with both teams battling for every point. Memphis' defense and rebounding should ultimately give them the edge, but don’t count out a late push from the Pelicans if they can get hot from three.
Prediction: Grizzlies win by 4-6 points, total points over 225, Memphis covers the spread. The game will be decided by Memphis' defense and their ability to control the boards.
Final Thoughts
This game will answer a crucial question: Can the Grizzlies' defense stifle the Pelicans’ high-powered offense, or will New Orleans’ scoring depth prove too much for Memphis to handle? The outcome will largely depend on the balance between Memphis’ defense and New Orleans' offensive firepower. Expect a fast-paced, high-energy game, but in the end, the Grizzlies' defensive identity will likely prevail.
